Rebirth in Buddhism with Venerable Shi You Wei and Mr Teo Puay Kim at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Meet Your Host – Venerable Shi You Wei

Venerable Shi You Wei is a Singaporean Buddhist monk and the current Abbot of Di Zang Lin, a Mahayana Buddhist temple located along MacPherson Road. He assumed this role in 2005 following the passing of his mentor, Venerable Zhen Dao, who founded the temple in 1997. At the time of his appointment, Venerable Shi You Wei was among the youngest abbots in Singapore.

Born into a humble family, Venerable Shi You Wei, developed an interest in Buddhism during his secondary school years. He pursued Buddhist Studies as an elective at Tanjong Katong Secondary Technical School, which deepened his spiritual inclination. He later graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Business Administration. After working in the healthcare and arts sectors, including a managerial role at Man Fut Tong Nursing Home and a position at the Esplanade, he decided to pursue monastic life. He was ordained on 10 October 2004, receiving the Dharma name Fa Cheng, also known as You Wei.

As Abbot, Venerable Shi You Wei revitalised Di Zang Lin by introducing structured Dharma lessons, reorganising prayer sessions, and initiating community outreach programmes. He established the DZL Volunteer Corps and launched initiatives such as bursary awards for students and food distribution projects for vulnerable residents in Marine Parade. Under his guidance, the temple has become a hub for both spiritual practice and social service.

Beyond temple activities, Venerable Shi You Wei serves as a licensed marriage solemniser and was the religious advisor for the Nanyang Polytechnic Buddhist Society. He was on the Board of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, helming its Education division. His efforts to make Buddhism accessible include maintaining an active presence on social media platforms, where he shares insights and engages with the public.

Through his leadership, Venerable Shi You Wei continues to bridge traditional Buddhist practices with contemporary society, fostering a community that values both spiritual growth and social responsibility.

Meet Your Host – Mr Teo Puay Kim

Teo Puay Kim, also known as PK, has been active in Singapore’s Buddhist community for a few decades. He is the director of Dharma in Action Ltd, a volunteer-run organisation that promotes Buddhist values through contemporary platforms. One of its key initiatives since 2009 is the “Thus Have I Seen” Buddhist Film Festival, which seeks to raise awareness of Buddhist teachings and the diversity of Buddhist cultures through the platform of film.

PK also volunteers at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, where he conducts guided tours exploring Buddhist philosophy, beliefs, practices, culture, history, art, and also aspects of Singapore’s heritage.

Drawing on his Buddhist practice and professional background in the tourism industry, PK co-founded Bodhi Travel, a now-defunct company that once offered Buddhist-themed tours across Asia. The venture reflected his efforts to link travel with spiritual learning.

Combining his interests and experience in Buddhism, tourism, and education, PK continues to create accessible pathways for the public to engage with Buddhist teachings.

About Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Founded in 1920, the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery manages one of Singapore’s two Buddhist columbaria. Notably, the monastery houses one of Asia’s largest bronze Buddha statues atop its four-storey Venerable Hong Choon Memorail Hall, standing at 13.8 meters tall and weighing 55 tonnes. Visitors to the monastery can explore the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas and find solace in a sapling from the Bodhi tree in India.